PTF 600

Six Drum Tablet Friability Test Instrument

PTF 600

PTF 600

Six Drum Tablet Friability Test Instrument

PTF 600 is a six drum tablet friability and abrasion test instrument. It is manufactured in compliance to the USP <1216>, EP <2.9.7> and JP <14> Pharmacopoeias. The instrument features an automated sample discharge at the end of a test and the possibility to connect an analytical balance.

PTF 600 six drum tablet friability test instrument

Complete Compliance

One of the testing criteria for mechanical strength of tablets and cores according to the USP <1216>, EP <2.9.7>, JP <14> and other pharmacopoeia is friability and abrasion testing. During the process of coating, transportation and packing the tablet will lose some amount of weight. To measure this weight loss, the samples are counted and weighed. Then the friability test is performed following the individual monographs of the relevant Pharmacopoeia. The tablets are tumbled at each turn of the drum of the friability testing instrument by a curved baffle that extends from the middle of the drum to the outer wall.

Removable waste container for automated discharge of the samples

Automated Discharge

Clean the samples from any dust prior to the test. Weigh the samples and introduce them into any drum of the instrument. The drums can easily be opened for loading and cleaning. Alternatively it is possible to use the discharge opening to load the samples without opening the drum. Select a test method and start the run. The LCD with color-changing backlight shows the test status and results.

Once the test is finished the drum revolution stops and the samples are discharged into separate stainless steel collectors with a perforated base plate. The collectors are mounted onto a stainless steel collection pan. The drum support axis can be removed. The samples then have to be inspected for broken tablets, de-dusted and weighed again. The weight difference before and after the test is determined as friability; this usually should not exceed 1%.

Optional Abrasion Drums

The standard supply scope includes the friability (also known as “Roche”) drums, but abrasion drums are available as options. The standard friability drum causes the samples to roll and fall during the test while the abrasion drum continuously puts the sample under stress by contact with lamellas.

Different Speed Settings

A silent DC geared motor rotates the drums at a fixed speed of 25 rpm or at a selectable speed (setting can be locked). The actual drum is made from Plexiglas (Perspex) and is separated into two parts, the drum body and a removable cover, which opens to fill and clean the drum from the inside when required. The instrument itself is made from high quality stainless steel which fully meets the current GLP requirements. A friability drum with an additional anti-static coating is available as an option.

User Interface with Click Wheel Navigation

PTF 600 is operated by using a click wheel to navigate menus on the LCD screen and by functional keys to shortcut frequent operations. The display is backlit in changing colors that show the instrument status in a familiar traffic light system (green, yellow, red).

Navigating the menu is quick and simple. The color-changing display makes it easy for the user to see when his input is required to proceed. The instrument has a method and a user management system. Methods can be programmed, edited and stored directly on the instrument. Users can be created and assigned different user levels according to their roles (administrator, operator, calibration technician).

Access to the instrument is protected by a login with username and password. Optionally a quick test menu can be accessed without logging in to the instrument first. This way tests can be performed with the instrument in case user access control and testing according to defined methods is not required.

Integrated Report Printer

PTF 600 features an integrated report printer to document the test and calibration results. An integrated printer saves valuable bench space in your laboratory. The detailed result report includes the automatic weight loss calculation.

Storage Possibilities

A USB flash drive can be connected to the instrument to save and load methods in .csv-format. Print-outs can be stored as text files. Furthermore instrument firmware updates can be installed and factory settings be restored by using the flash drive without the need for any PC or programming tool.

Features

Fully USP <1216>, EP <2.9.7> and JP <14> compliant

Determine friability and abrasion (optional) of uncoated tablets

Programmable for number of drum revolutions or rotating time

Connect a balance to determine the sample weight (optional, weight can be entered manually)

Connect USB flash drive to copy methods and store test reports

Integrated protocol printer

User and method management system

Advantages

Drum is easy to open for loading and cleaning, alternatively use discharge opening for loading

Graphical LCD screen showing actual and target settings

Integrated protocol printer reduces bench space requirements

Detailed result report including weight loss calculation and evaluation of the results